December 14th, 2017 by OYO Team

If you’re planning to visit Goa – India’s sunshine state – this upcoming holiday season, then you’re in for a big surprise. Having launched OYO Home just a few months back, we are offering the most amazing holiday homes for a personalized stay experience. Sprinkled throughout the city, these homes let you enjoy private ownership and an authentic experience in a locality, all while staying in complete comfort.

Swaying palms. Sun-kissed beaches. Soulful music. You’re cordially invited to live a little in Goa!

Stay on your own terms in North Goa by choosing between a variety of OYO Homes. From a rustic farmhouse to a beach-facing villa; and from a heritage-themed property to a cozy artist studio, you can have it all here. All our OYO Homes serve as the perfect starting point to know Goa a little better – beyond the sun, sand & sea. However, to make the most out of this place, we have prepared an itinerary of sorts that would come in handy, anytime you want.

Start with Power Yoga

Night crawlers might want to skip this point. But for those who wake up before sunrise, this Ashtanga Yoga Center is a must-visit. Heidi Ruokoniemi, founder of Ashtanga Yoga Center, is a Level 2 authorized Ashtanga yoga teacher. With a strong foundation in this traditional yoga method, she guides her students with lightness and joy.

Watch Out: Classes start at 6:30 AM & 8:30 AM (Drop-ins are not allowed)

Enjoy the morning Anjuna Vibes

There is a quaint little garden cafe & lifestyle shop, Artjuna, that lets you soak in the good ‘ol Anjuna vibes. Treat yourself to a wholesome organic breakfast (try the smoothies, vegan waffles, pesto omelette & detox juices), listen to some jazz music, browse the net and watch a movie thereafter. Basically, you can have it all here.

Pro Tip: Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee (beans are sourced directly from Coorg).

Go sightseeing

Whether it’s the Miraculous Cross at Arpora or the Reis Magos Fort in Bardez, you can enjoy great views from atop both these beautiful structures. Miraculous Cross overlooks Vagator, North Mapusa, Assagao & Chapora Fort, whereas Reis Magos Fort lets you enjoy picture-perfect views of the Mandovi River. Both these off-the-grid places are a welcome change from the beaches.

Read a little

If you like cuddling around in a corner and reading your favourite book, then get ready to have the time of your life. Choose your pick at the home library, or walk down to Literati Bookstore for spending some time with yourself. Located in a quaint lane in Calangute, the bookstore has a beautiful garden, large villa & an outdoor cafe – perfect for those sunny Sundays.

Special offering: They also host book-reading sessions and movie-nights.

Party like a local

Habanero, a tex-mex restaurant, is the perfect brew of malt and music. Home to Goa’s only microbrewery, you will be spoilt for choices here. From Indian pale ale to mango wheat beer, choose what you like and mix it with authentic & fresh Spanish flavours.

Must-try: If you’re in a group, we’d recommend you try the Giant Margarita Pitcher.

North Goa has some wonderful beaches and great spots for sightseeing and even if you have limited time and you cannot go around the entire state, just exploring this part of Goa will give you ample memories to take home with you. 

Some pB

  1. Calangute Beach
  2. Sinquerim Beach
  3. Candolim Beach
  4. Arambol beach
  5. Mandrem Beach
  6. Fort Aguada
  7. The Church of Mae De Deus
  8. Bogdeshwara Temple
  9. Chapora Fort
  10. Casino Palm
  11. MV Caravela
  12. Casino Pride
  13. Anjuna market
  14. Mapusa market
  15. Chapora Fort
  16. Chorao Island

1. Vagator Beach

The Vagator Beach hosts quite a few music festivals throughout the year which is why it is frequented by youngsters at those times, but also remains largely secluded at other times of the year. Hence, it provides the perfect balance of secluded beauty and tourist traffic and depending what you mood is, you can plan your trip accordingly. The flea market near the beach is to die for and the local shacks here sell some of the best seafood you would have ever tasted. 

2. Anjuna Beach

Located by a small village in North Goa, Anjuna Beach is now attracting a lot of tourists who want to explore the rural, seaside life. There are a number of homestays and guesthouses here to stay in. The flea market is sure to make you splurge with its wide range of slippers, scarves and hats but it operates only on Wednesdays. The beaches are pristine and the sunset views from here are simply amazing. A number of trance parties are also organized here and you are sure to come across some likeminded people. The beach also happens to be great spot for dining and pub hoping. 

3. Calangute Beach

Known as the Queen of Beaches, you cannot miss the beach when you are visiting North Goa. The beach is a shopper’s heaven, with high end boutiques and luxury showrooms lining the inner streets. The handicrafts from Indonesia, and even Tibet and Kashmir, are a top pick here. The shacks here sell all kinds of mocktails and cocktails and there is no better place in Goa to lay back and enjoy. 

4. Sinquerim Beach

If you are keen on water sports, then this is the place to be in. The sandy beaches here are perfect for adventure sports enthusiasts and you can go for windsurfing, water skiing, scuba diving and much more. There are certified instructors here who will help you out. There are also a number of historical forts around the beach which provide ample scope for exploration. They were mostly built by Portuguese when they traded here in the 16th century and are a real treat for history buffs. 

5. Candolim Beach

Your trip to North Goa would be incomplete if you do not visit Candolim Beach. This is one of the most peaceful beaches in Goa for sure because there are no shops, restaurants or any of the so called touristy spot here. The area is free from commercial activity and the major attractions here is what the nature holds up- the scrub covered sand dunes. There are yoga and meditation centers here which will rejuvenate your soul. Do try out the treatments at the spas and you will find it a great spot if you are on your honeymoon. 

6. Arambol beach 

If you love the chirping of birds, the hue of sunset and the sound of crashing waves, then Arambol Beach in North Goa is the perfect spot for you. The tranquility here will simply take your breath away and the beach also has very Bohemian vibes to it. You should definitely have this beach on your list, no matter for how short a span of time for which you are visiting Goa.

7. Mandrem Beach 

The beach is like a little secret you share with your friends, beautiful and innocent. The beach is lovely for bonfires so if you are visiting North Goa with your friends, this is the perfect spot to hang out. The miles of white sandy beaches with clear water is dotted only by fishing boats and the place reaches it zenith of beauty during the high tides. The beach can be accessed both from the Arambol as well as the Ashvem beaches of North Goa. 

8. Fort Aguada

The fort Aguada still does not fail to amaze history buffs and is one of the finest specimens of architecture in all of Goa. It was initially a house for the Portuguese but has now been converted into a prison. However, it has to be one of the most beautiful prisons that you have seen. The view from the lighthouse here is amazing and the views of the Arabian Sea are straight out of the pictures. The fort will surely take you back in time. There is no entry fee and the fort can be visited between 10:00 am in the morning to 5:30 pm in the evening. 

9. The Church of Mae De Deus

The Church is a fine specimen of Gothic architecture, one of the few in India. It will mesmerize you with its tall towers and stark exteriors. The church was built in 1873 and functions till today. The church is lighted up splendidly at night and attracts tourists from far and wide. The church premises, as well as the area around it is beautifully landscaped and is one of the most peaceful spots in all of Goa. 

10. Bogdeshwara Temple

The deity of the temple of Bogdeshwara is believed to answer prayers of the devotees, which is why thousands of them visit the temple each year. The temple is located amidst lush greenery and throngs of people come to attend the Zatra, which is held during the months of December and January. The temple has some very ancient rituals which is sure to call out to your spiritual nature. 

11. Chapora Fort

The Chapora Fort is in ruins now but still has much to offer. It is believed that the Portuguese ruled over the local lands from here for about 150 years. The place is a magnet for photography buffs and offers great views of the Anjuna and the Vagator beaches. There are also two tunnels here which date back to the Portuguese era. They were constructed for emergency escapes during invasions. 

12. Casino Palm

While open gambling is not allowed much in India, this is one of the few places where you can enjoy it and try your luck. You are sure to feel you are in Las Vegas and you can enjoy games like roulette and jackpot and poker, among other games. The casino has an adjoining bar and you are sure to fall in love with the nightlife of Goa if you come here. The casino is open 24 hours and the plush lounges offer luxury and privacy at the same time. 

13. MV Caravela

If you are on a trip to North Goa, make it a point to visit this enticing place as it will bring the best of two of the most entertaining things you can enjoy in your life- gambling and cruising. The casino is located off shore in Mandovi Beach, the first of its kind. You get to sail along the waves to get here and the evening cruise is heavenly. Follow it up with one of the most delectable dinners you have ever had. 

14. Casino Pride

If you are in Goa to enjoy its nightlife, then you just cannot afford to miss Casino Pride. This will also allow you to enjoy a splendid cruise and the games on offer here are sure to carry you away, so be careful with your purse! The food here is one of the best you have ever tasted and do not fail to try out the heady cocktails served here. 

15. Anjuna market

No vacation is complete without some local shopping and Anjuna market will offer you some of the best of the local products in North Goa. Shirts, skirts, flowing beach dresses, scarves, hats, slippers, bags- name it and you will find it here, and often at very inexpensive prices, though you have to put your bargaining skills to good use at some of the shops. The jewelry and trinkets will make you very popular among your girlfriends back home. The market however, is open only on Wednesdays. 

16. Mapusa market 

If you are looking for fresh local produce during your stay in North Goa, then do visit Mapusa Market. From fresh vegetables, flowers, fruits and of course fish, you will get everything here to your hearts content. The spice bazaar here is especially famous so do stack up on your condiments. The wine is here local and often fermented and home and very inexpensive. The market is open every day from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6:30 pm. 

17. Bom Jesus Basilica

The basilica is a wonderful specimen of baroque architecture, one of the few in India. The intricate detailing on the walls of the church are carved out of basalt and the embellishments are at par with any European architecture. It is believed that the church holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier and hence is a very sacred place for the Christians and is highly revered throughout the Catholic world. The church is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 6:30 pm and on Sundays it is open from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. 

18. Chorao Island

One of the hidden gems in North Goa, the Chorao Island actually means, Stunning Precious Stone in Sanskrit. The island was first a Portuguese settlement and today it houses many quaint villas and churches from the bygone eras. It is also the largest islands in Goa among the 17 and attracts visitors who want to experience something unique. The island is just 3 km from Panaji but will reveal a whole new world to you. 

So if you are in North Goa, you will have to visit these places for sure. You will find a number of budget and luxury stays here and you can book rooms through the Oyo app. Transportation can also be arranged from the hotels. You are sure to go back home with tons of memories and unforgettable experiences as you find out there is so much more to Goa. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to discover the hidden jewels of North Goa.

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About OYO Team

We’re people who love to travel and it’s a pleasure to share our experiences from around the world with you here. You’ll see our favourite destinations, quirky stays and budget stay. Also the best wedding banquet halls and the most lit party destinations. You’ll also find insightful opinions about why we travel in the first place and what it’s really like out there. Enjoy the blog and please tell us what you think - feedback welcome!